Boils (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Boils Overview
- Causes of Boils
- Symptoms of Boils
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Boils Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Boils - Slideshow
- Viewer Comments: Boils - Effective Treatments
Symptoms of Boils
A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually less than an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus forms on the top of the boil. Signs of a severe infection are
- the skin around the boil becomes red, painful, and swollen;
- more boils may appear around the original one;
- a fever develops; and
- the lymph nodes become swollen.
Next: When to Seek Medical Care »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Boils - Effective Treatments
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your boils?
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